Local production of polyamide 6 and compounds in Brazil

May, 03, 2012 - BASF today announced that it has acquired the polyamide (PA) polymer business of the Mazzaferro Group, Brazil. BASF is hereby further strengthening its position with regard to engineering plastics and polyamide polymers in South America. The companies have agreed not to disclose financial details of the transaction.

The transaction comprises the site and production facilities for the PA 6 product range, as well as engineering plastics compounds at São Bernardo do Campo in the metropolitan area of São Paulo. The polymerization plant has a capacity of roughly 20,000 metric tons per year. Around 100 employees will transfer to BASF. Mazzaferro’s monofilaments, fishing equipment and household products businesses are not part of the transaction and will continue their operations at the Diadema and São Paulo production sites. The transaction is still subject to the post-closing approval of the Brazilian authorities.

Strengthening growth in the South American market

BASF is going to integrate the acquired business into its existing engineering plastics and polyamide polymer business. “This acquisition is part of BASF’s strategy to strengthen its position in the emerging countries. We will thus increase production presence close to our customers,” explained Dr. Wolfgang Hapke, President of BASF’s Performance Polymers division. "The demand for polyamide in the automotive and extrusion industry will grow particularly strongly in Brazil. The new site enables us to share in this growth and supply our South American customers with locally manufactured products faster and more flexibly."

“We are very proud of being in Brazil for more than 100 years now. With this acquisition, which is the first regional one in South America, BASF proves its engagement with the Brazilian market and will be a reliable and innovative partner to the polyamide customers,” added Dr. Alfred Hackenberger, President BASF South America.

Engineering plastics at BASF

BASF’s engineering plastics comprise Ultramid® (PA), Ultradur® (PBT), Ultraform® (POM) and Ultrason® (PSU, PESU, PPSU). The engineering plastic Ultramid is compounded polyamide, derived from base polyamide. The materials are used mainly in automotive and electrical applications, but also in many other industries.

Polyamides for extrusion at BASF

With over 60 years of experience, today, BASF is the leading producer of polyamide in the world. Ultramid® extrusion polymers based on PA 6, PA 6.6 and PA 6/6.6 are sold into market segments such as packaging, fishing, as well as wire and cable jacketing.

About BASF

BASF is the world’s leading chemical company. Its portfolio ranges from chemicals, plastics, performance products and crop protection products to oil and gas. BASF posted sales of about €73.5 billion in 2011 and had more than 111 ,000 employees as of the end of the year.

Source: BASF